Now, because it's a makebelive nightmare fantasy food, real-world alternatives are a bit more challenging. For the most part barbecue seekers are forced to face the tangy facts: There is no such thing as a bone sandwich.

To ingest the real-deal in a reality-based shape means sometimes making the tough choice between BBQ pork ribs and pulled pork. You simply can't have your bones and eat them too.

KPCC consulted culinary adventurer Elina Shatkin — former L.A. Times reporter, fomer food critic for the L.A. Weekly, former West Coast Editor for Toque, and current Senior Editor at Los Angeles Magazine — for her recommenations about the city's best barbecue. Below are her t0p choices. Tell us yours in the comments.